Beryllium Guy
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What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Mar 14, 2018 6:28:32 GMT
Lebanon Issues of the Independent Republic 1942-PresentTaking heed of recent comments by firstfrog2013 , it is clear to me that the strength of good posts is showing images of stamps. So, in honor of TSF's distinguished member from Lebanon, Bombadil , I have started another new thread to present material from the Independent Republic. This also raises a question, which perhaps Jad Bombadil can answer for us: based on the Lebanon flag stamps thread started by Londonbus1 , I noted that Lebanon officially became an independent republic on 22 November 1943. Surprisingly, the Scott Stamp Catalogue shows the first stamps of the Independent Republic as issued on 18 September 1942, more than one year before the official date (Scott #156-159). Jad, can you shed any light on this? For today's post, below are a mint, complete set of stamps which came from my Dad's collection. These are Scott #220-224, issued in 1948 to commemorate Lebanon's joining UNESCO, which is the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization. It is an attractive set of stamps.  
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Bombadil
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Post by Bombadil on Mar 14, 2018 12:05:55 GMT
This also raises a question, which perhaps Jad Bombadil can answer for us: based on the Lebanon flag stamps thread started by Londonbus1 , I noted that Lebanon officially became an independent republic on 22 November 1943. Surprisingly, the Scott Stamp Catalogue shows the first stamps of the Independent Republic as issued on 18 September 1942, more than one year before the official date (Scott #156-159). Jad, can you shed any light on this? Dear Chris, Thank you for a great post and for starting this thread in my honor,i am really flattered !! It is indeed a beautiful set !! I just checked Scott 2013 and i also noticed that under the mentioned set of 18 Sept 1942 (Scott 156-159) , Scott noted "first anniv of the Proclamation of Independence as Nov. 26. 1941" To answer your dilemma : In 1941 Turmoil in Europe feared that Germany will gain control of Syria and Lebanon, leading French and British troops to occupy Lebanon. Under various political pressures from both inside and outside Lebanon, De Gaulle decided to recognize the independence of Lebanon. On November 26, 1941, General Georges Catroux announced that Lebanon would become independent under the authority of the Free French government. It was not until 22 Nov 1943 that Lebanon became officially independent republic but the country was not evacuated by French troops until 1946. The last stamp before 18,sept 1942 in Scott dates to 1940(before the announcement of independence in Nov 1941) , that said explains why Scott listed #156-159 under the independent republic because this set was released after Nov 1941, being the first set of the unofficial Independent republic. I hope i explained it well  Regards, |
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Bombadil
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What I collect: Worldwide stamps 1840-1960
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Post by Bombadil on Apr 20, 2018 19:18:46 GMT
Fiscal stamp surcharged - Lebanese army tax 1945 - Scott # RA1  |
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Beryllium Guy
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Apr 20, 2018 20:44:54 GMT
Fiscal stamp surcharged - Lebanese army tax 1945 - Scott # RA1 OK, Jad, first of all, very nice post you just made here. You already know that I love the overprints and surcharges in any case, and I am now quickly becoming a big fan of the classic stamps of Lebanon! So, in honor of Bombadil and my father, here is another scan of material from his old collection. These are Lebanon, Scott #C107-C110, airmail stamps issued on 11-Sep-1946 in the "Night Herons" design, which was also used for some regular postal issues. Personally, I find this set to be a very interesting design, and although it is one from real life, it looks somehow almost mythical to me.     |
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Bombadil
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What I collect: Worldwide stamps 1840-1960
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Post by Bombadil on Apr 20, 2018 22:33:35 GMT
When i go fishing in the early mornings, i usually follow the Night Herons for a good fishing spot. The only disadvantage there is that by the end of the day all my gear and myself will be covered with bird droppings  |
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Beryllium Guy
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What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on May 10, 2018 21:02:37 GMT
When i go fishing in the early mornings, i usually follow the Night Herons for a good fishing spot. The only disadvantage there is that by the end of the day all my gear and myself will be covered with bird droppings Well, Jad, I was glad to hear that the Night Herons helped with your fishing, but sorry about the disadvantage!  Here is another post in your honor, and I hope it is a bit better than my last couple.... Anyway, to improve on my meager posting in the earlier Lebanon threads, here is some better material. Again, these are stamps which came from my Dad's collection, and they are Lebanon, Scott #C111-C114, next in catalogue sequence after the Night Herons set. These are airmail stamps issued on 22-Nov-1946 depicting "Symbols of Communications". This complete set of four was also issued to commemorate the Arab Postal Conference held in Sofar, Lebanon that same year. Personally, I really like this design, and I find this to be a very attractive set of stamps. Edit: I just noticed in retrospect that the date of issue for this set of stamps, 22-Nov-1946, also marks the 3rd anniversary of the officially declared date for the establishment of the Republic of Lebanon, a point which is not noted in the Scott Catalogue, but which surely must have been more than just a mere coincidence!     |
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Bombadil
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What I collect: Worldwide stamps 1840-1960
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Post by Bombadil on Jun 24, 2018 2:53:14 GMT
The Lebanese Rocket Society, the surreal tale of the Lebanese space race .
In 1961 the Soviet Union and the United States were four years into a wild space race which had begun with the launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957. But while the whole world was watching the two superpowers’ attempts to gain supremacy over our solar system,only few knew about a third, highly unlikely, competitor.
Between 1961 and 1966, the adventure of the Lebanese Rocket Society began at Haigazian University, an Armenian University in Beirut, where a group of students guided by a professor of mathematics,set up the Lebanese Rocket Society to “create and launch rockets for space study and exploration.” They produced the first rocket of the Arab World. The project had no military character and was aimed at promoting science and research. A crazy challenge for a tiny country!
Armed with nothing but dreams and certainty ,the students built the materials from scratch, experimented with chemicals and tried over and over again until their first successful attempt . The adventure, which appears nowadays surrealistic , winded up launching more than ten solid fuel Cedar rockets into space and gave rise to national celebrations.
The Cedar IV launched in 1963 was so successful that it was commemorated on a set of stamps representing the Cedar IV rocket and the 21st anniversary of Lebanon’s independence. Cedar IV reached a height of 90 miles (145 km), putting it close to the altitude of satellites in low-earth orbit.
But sadly the project was cut short. Regional tensions were rising fiercely and the idea of Lebanon potentially using the rockets for military purposes was too threatening for the surrounding powers.The French, British and American governments advised Lebanon to end this project. And so, after 5 years of daring innovations, the scientists were forced to give up on their dream.The final launch was in 1966.
This heroic and unreal adventure, which had made the front pages of the press,is nowadays forgotten. Our parents barely remember the story and it is almost unimaginable by the new generation,it would be inconceivable to allow a small team of dreamers to launch space rockets into the skies of the Middle East.
"A story kept secret, like an anecdote in the course of history" !!
Group portrait taken before the launch of Cedar 3, 1962.
1964, Nov 24 - 21th Anniversary of Independence
Scott # C416-C419
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Beryllium Guy
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What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Jun 24, 2018 5:19:27 GMT
The Lebanese Rocket Society, the surreal tale of the Lebanese space race .
In 1961 the Soviet Union and the United States were four years into a wild space race which had begun with the launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957. But while the whole world was watching the two superpowers’ attempts to gain supremacy over our solar system,only few knew about a third, highly unlikely, competitor.
Between 1961 and 1966, the adventure of the Lebanese Rocket Society began at Haigazian University, an Armenian University in Beirut, where a group of students guided by a professor of mathematics,set up the Lebanese Rocket Society to “create and launch rockets for space study and exploration.” They produced the first rocket of the Arab World. The project had no military character and was aimed at promoting science and research. A crazy challenge for a tiny country!
This heroic and unreal adventure, which had made the front pages of the press, is nowadays forgotten. Our parents barely remember the story and it is almost unimaginable by the new generation,it would be inconceivable to allow a small team of dreamers to launch space rockets into the skies of the Middle East.
A story kept secret, like an anecdote in the course of history !! Great post, Jad! Fascinating story about the rocket development in Lebanon in the early 1960s. I never heard about it before. Thank you very much for sharing the story, and of course, the stamps. To add to this thread, I will now post another set from my Dad's old collection. Here is Lebanon, Scott #C141-C145, UNESCO issue released on 23rd November 1948. The first three stamps in the set depict Apollo, and the last two stamps depict Minerva. These airmail stamps were issued in conjunction with regular issue #220-224. This is another very attractive set issued by Lebanon during this period.      |
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blaamand
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Post by blaamand on Jun 24, 2018 5:57:40 GMT
I agree with Beryllium Guy - the story of the Libanese rockets is a fabulous one! 'Almost unimaginable by the new generation ' fits well! Great thread and really attractive stamps, keep it up!  |
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Bombadil
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What I collect: Worldwide stamps 1840-1960
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Post by Bombadil on Oct 21, 2018 1:35:25 GMT
Only a "part of" an extraordinarily generous gift sent to me by Beryllium Guy a while back before my recent visit to Lebanon.
Chris as i mentioned before in our PM, you have really went over the edge with this one and i still can not thank you enough for your generosity!! Once part of your father's collection and now part of my life time collection and most favorite!!
I was a Red Cross active volunteer from 2006 and up to 2013 . During those years I took parts in many different departments. I still hold a valid Red Cross ID and I try my best to participate in one or two projects each year.
Air Post Semi-Postal Stamps
1947,June 27 - Scott # CB5-CB9 – Surtax for the Red Cross fund. CV£119 (Scott 2013)
Issued in celebration of the Lebanese Red Cross becoming a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and joining the International Red Cross movement. This issue is considered one of the Key sets to the Lebanese postal stamps collection .
Portraying the statue of the Greek goddess of health Hygieia and the iconic Jounieh Bay & natural bridge of Faraya in the background .
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Beryllium Guy
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Oct 30, 2018 22:34:46 GMT
Only a "part of" an extraordinarily generous gift sent to me by Beryllium Guy a while back before my recent visit to Lebanon.
Chris as i mentioned before in our PM, you have really went over the edge with this one and i still can not thank you enough for your generosity!! Once part of your father's collection and now part of my life time collection and most favorite!!
I was a Red Cross active volunteer from 2006 and up to 2013 . During those years I took parts in many different departments. I still hold a valid Red Cross ID and I try my best to participate in one or two projects each year. Jad, I apologize for my slow response to your very fine post. All I can say is that sometimes I have an overpoweringly strong urge to make sure that things end up in the place where I think that they belong. In this case, I had the absolute strongest feeling that all of my Dad's stamps from Lebanon should be yours, and I wanted you to have them. He did not have a lot of stamps from Lebanon, but the ones he did have were of very nice quality. I am glad that they will have a new home with someone who will really value them. I hope that you will always enjoy them as part of your "lifetime collection" (a term that you taught me) in happiness and good health.  |
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Bombadil
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Post by Bombadil on Apr 7, 2019 14:23:17 GMT
1st anniversary of the proclamation of Independence , Nov, 26 . 1941
1942,Sept. 18 - Sc# C80-C81 - Plane over mount Lebanon .
First Air post issue under the Independent Republic.
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Post by outremer01 on Jul 20, 2019 17:28:34 GMT
A more recent example of adding an overprint is shown below, in mint & used basic form, then in two different overprints, using a stylised flower or "fleuron".  Note that the fleuron is in a different attitude on the two overprinted stamps, indicating two different issue dates. There are also fluorescent security markings added to stamps from 1996. |
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blaamand
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Post by blaamand on Jul 20, 2019 18:50:11 GMT
outremer01 - Nice presentation of those overprints, fascinating to see that many different on the same basic stamp !
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Post by outremer01 on Aug 2, 2019 7:46:48 GMT
Nice stamps, Beryllium Guy and Bombadil! This period certainly produced some attractive designs. The Air Mail stamps shown above, commemorating the first anniversary of independence, are particularly nice examples of the design and engraving of Paul Koroleff. Another example, from the same 1942 issue, shows Emir Bechir Chehab, a Maronite statesman of the Chehab dynasty, who reigned for four periods up to 1840 over part of what is now Lebanon.
S.G. 253
18th September 1942
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Post by outremer01 on Aug 2, 2019 7:58:35 GMT
Following on from the first set issued after proclamation of the independent republic of Lebanon, the need arose for a further set covering new postal rates. This was fulfilled by overprinting earlier designs with new values and, in some cases, the cedar of Lebanon to obscure previous values. Issue dates: 1943-1945 S.G. 258  S.G. 259  S.G. 260  S.G. 261  S.G. 262  S.G. 263  S.G. 264  |
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Beryllium Guy
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What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Aug 2, 2019 8:13:56 GMT
Another example, from the same 1942 issue, shows Emir Bechir Chehab, a Maronite statesman of the Chehab dynasty, who reigned for four periods up to 1840 over part of what is now Lebanon.
S.G. 253
18th September 1942
 Thanks for the post, but just wanted to let you know that I am seeing a problem with the image. Perhaps you can check it and try to re-post? Thanks! |
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kostia84
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What I collect: Pharmaceutics (thematic), WWII (thematic), Israel (chronologically)
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Post by kostia84 on Aug 2, 2019 16:42:02 GMT
Only now read the Bombadil post about Lebanese space attemps. That is fascinating! Never heard of this story, never would imagine it to be true. |
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Post by outremer01 on Aug 2, 2019 20:49:32 GMT
Sorry about that kostia84, I couldn't see the image either on my tablet but when I went to sort it out on my desktop, it was visible. Anyway I re-uploaded it so hopefully it can be seen now. Will check on my tablet later.
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Post by outremer01 on Nov 15, 2019 18:22:35 GMT
First, a repeat of an earlier image, which was not visible to at least one member of this board: SG253 Emir Bechir Chehab  Now a new acquisition, an imperforate miniature sheet featuring the two stamps (SG 652/3) issued on 1st June 1960 to commemorate the visit of King Mohammed V of Morocco:  |
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Post by outremer01 on Nov 16, 2019 10:19:03 GMT
Here are a few varied designs used on Lebanon stamps in the mid-1940's:
1949 SG401
1949 SG403
1945 SG295
designed as shown by either Paul Koroleff or M Farrouk.
I have read that many stamps of this period were produced as forgeries for stamp dealers. I believe that some of my own collection may be forgeries, as evidenced by the quality and colour of both the paper and the printing.
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Post by outremer01 on Nov 16, 2019 10:26:52 GMT
Further designs from the same period:
1947 Crusader Castle, Tripoli
1945 Cedar of Lebanon and skier
1944 6th Arab Medical Congress - Beirut Isolation Hospital |
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Post by outremer01 on Nov 16, 2019 10:31:43 GMT
1st May 1944 Second Anniv of Proclamation of Independence (from SG 265-274)
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Post by outremer01 on Nov 16, 2019 10:37:40 GMT
From the 1950's:
1957 definitives - redrawn versions of some earlier designs (From range SG559 to 570)
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Post by outremer01 on Nov 16, 2019 10:40:48 GMT
15th July 1957 Arab Leaders' Conference, Beirut 1956 examples of each design:
designed E. Ognyanov
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Post by outremer01 on Mar 3, 2020 10:55:16 GMT
The underprints can be as interesting as the overprints: these are from the late 1950's    |
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de61
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Post by de61 on May 28, 2020 14:46:00 GMT
Following are some questions for the group regarding the pictured color separation proof card of the 1947 Lebanon Red Cross airmail semi-postal issues (Scott #CB5-CB9). I hope someone can provide additional information as I am not sure if the proof card is genuine. The impressions match the respective sizes of the issued stamps, but I had to reduce the size of the scan to fit within this post. I acquired the proof card not too long ago from a reputable auction dealer. The surface of the card is porous and uneven, so the printing ink may have soaked in, resulting in impressions that are not very sharp. The card has edge toning and a couple of spots of foxing. The stamps were designed by Paul Koroleff and printed by the Imprimerie Catholique in Beirut (I.C. Beyrouth). The questions I have are: - Did I.C. Beyrouth regularly produce proof cards of this type contemporaneously to the issuance of stamps? - Did I.C. Beyrouth, or some other printer, produce cards of this type at a later date from the original printing dies? - Is anyone aware of bogus printings of this proof card deceptively being produced from copies of the stamps? Any and all answers and opinions are welcome.  |
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salentin
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collecting Germany,where I live and about 20 more countries,half of them in Asia east of the Indus
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Post by salentin on May 29, 2020 13:32:12 GMT
Not collecting Lebanon,I own very few stamps and s.s. only,all from my pile of Fauna/Flora stamps. What probably never will be built into a collection. According to Michel of the above s.s.,issued Aug.8th,1950,only 2000 were printed. But still the catalogue value is very moderate.
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wilford
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I also voted. Trying to decide on a topic for my next article.
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What I collect: Courthouses, judges, laws, lawyers. South African Homelands. Rockwell Kent (1939 Christmas Seal)
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Post by wilford on May 29, 2020 21:37:27 GMT
This is a stamp issued last year commemorating the centennial of Lebanon's Supreme Court or Court de Cassation. I understand that no FDCs were done for this issue. I would be interested in obtaining a valid postally-used cover. This stamp will be cross-posted in my Courthouses thread.  |
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salentin
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collecting Germany,where I live and about 20 more countries,half of them in Asia east of the Indus
Posts: 6,506
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Post by salentin on May 30, 2020 11:54:02 GMT
The only other s.s. from Lebanon in my Fauna/Flora accumulation was issued on Sept.20th,1960. My good old Michel,1994 volume,lists two variations of this sheet.Michel Block 23 I without price at the bottom or Michel Block 23 II with price,150 P. in French and Arabic.(shown) The total print quantity of Bl.23 is given with 10.000. However Michel valued B.23 II fifteen times as high,as Bl.23 I. Does anyone know how many of each version were printed ?
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Here is another post in your honor, and I hope it is a bit better than my last couple....
